Like many historic cities in France, Limoges has many charming elements to delight visitors. Especially if you are a porcelain enthusiast or a collector of French porcelain Limoges boxes, you will find the Limoges region a fantastic place to visit (and perhaps buy some porcelain).
The history of Limoges goes back to the year 10 BC, under the name Augustoritum, an important Gallo-Roman city. During the Middle Ages, Limoges became a large city and an important location where the Dukes of Aguitaine (including Richard the Lionheart) were invested and crowned.
Limoges has historically been famous for its enamel and stained glass production. Starting from the 12th century, Limoges became an important exporter of enamels throughout the Christian world. In the 18th century, after kaolin was discovered in the Limousine region, Limoges became the center for producing high quality porcelain. This lucrative industry continues to this day.
To read more about Limoges, France, see About Limoges, France.
Limoges has many points of interest that are worth a visit, some of which are the following:
Gare de Limoges Train station
The architecturally ornate and incredibly eye-catching Limoges Bénédictins train station with its magnificent clock tower is considered one of most beautiful stations in the world. The historic building’s exterior as well as the magnificent interior blends together several architectural movements such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Whether you arrive in Limoges by train or visit Limoges by car or plane, the Bénédictins train station is one of Limoges’ must-see landmarks.
Limoges Town hall
The imposing and visually striking "Hôtel de Ville" or "La Mairie" (Town Hall) welcomes visitors to the city of Limoges. Built in 1883, the Town Hall features an eye-catching tiered hand-painted porcelain fountain in front. The building has impressive architecture throughout, magnificent ceilings and hallways with statues and hand-painted frescos.
Saint Etienne Cathedral
One of the prominent landmarks in Limoges is its granite Saint Etienne de Limoges cathedral. This cathedral is known as one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in south of France. The impressive cathedral was first built in this location in the 3rd century by Saint Martial. One of the great points of fame for the Limoges cathedral is the fact that in the 11th century, Richard the Lionheart was invested as Duke of Aquitane in this Romanesque cathedral.
Bishop’s Palace and Museum
Adjacent to Saint Etienne Cathedral is the Bishop’s Palace with its botanical garden as well as the Municipal Museum. Inside are displayed Limoges enamels from the Middle Ages and various works of art, including ones by Pierre August Renoir who was a native of Limoges. Also displayed are archeological and lapidary objects as well as a collection of ancient Roman artifacts excavated from beneath the building.
Porcelain Museum
One of Limoges' must-visit places is the Adrien Dubouché Museum, which is housed in an impressive building purpose-built in 1900. The museum was founded by Adrien Dubouché, a wealthy merchant and avid porcelain collector. The museum houses the largest collection of Limoges porcelain in the world and contains over 11,000 items of ceramic and glassware ranging from ancient Greek to modern manufacture.
Historic Porcelain Factory and Kiln
Of great interest for porcelain enthusiasts is the historic Casseaux Porcelain Kiln Museum located in the heart of Limoges by the Vienne River. Built in 1904, the industrial building is an authentic and original historic porcelain factory with a huge kiln where porcelain was fired. The museum tells the story of the evolution of porcelain-making and all the efforts that went into the quest to master fire.
Old Town La Bouchery St.
The Limoges Old Town is a great place to walk around and enjoy the traditional hundreds-of-years-old half-timbered buildings and shops. Especially of interest is the historic Quartier de la Boucherie, the medieval district that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. This area was originally filled with butcher shops and that is where its name came from.
St. Yrieix La perche
Traveling 40 minutes south from Limoges, you come to a fantastic and well-worth the visit medieval city called Saint Yrieix La Perche. Stepping into the gates of this city is like going back in time. St. Yrieix was the location where kaolin was first discovered in France and it has been a center of porcelain production ever since. The Medieval city is made of street after street of half-timbered houses and plenty of porcelain and art-related shops.
Richard the Lionheart
The history of Limoges and Richard the Lionheart and intertwined. In the 11th century, Richard the Lionheart spent a considerable amount of time in Limoges and the nearby vicinity. Today, in Limoges, there is a route called Richard the Lionheart Route that you can follow by car. It includes many sites, castles and ruins where Richard the Lionheart visited or stayed at. Of course, as mentioned above, Richard the Lionheart was invested as Duke of Aquitaine in the Limoges cathedral.
Porcelain Factories And Shops
Many porcelain factories are located in Limoges and continue production to this day. Some factories have a visitor center or gift shop where you can purchase porcelain products and Limoges boxes directly. There are also several factory retail stores and independent shops selling porcelain products in various parts of the city.
If you take a trip to France, we hope that you visit Limoges and enjoy its sites and historical importance.
At LimogesCollector.com, we are proud to offer an extensive selection of fine French porcelain Limoges boxes, imported directly from factories and workshops from Limoges. The majority of Limoges boxes we offer are exclusively by special order from artists in Limoges and cannot be found for purchase in shops or factories in Limoges.
Take a moment and browse our selection of over 5,000 Limoges boxes in every theme. You are sure to find many pieces you will love to add to your collection. Limoges boxes make worthy and memorable gifts. So next time you want to give a gift that will impress, be sure to consider a Limoges box from LimogesCollector.com.
